Every year on March 8, the world celebrates women, applauding their achievements and advocating for gender equality. But what happens after the celebrations fade? Does recognition translate into meaningful action? The true measure of progress isn’t in the spotlight moments but in the everyday choices women make—often unnoticed, yet profoundly impactful.
We often celebrate women who break glass ceilings, those whose names dominate headlines, and whose victories are quantified in boardroom seats, political wins, or investment deals. But what about the silent trailblazers—the ones who shape the future without seeking applause?
The Power of the Unrecognized
True acceleration isn’t always found in grand speeches, viral movements, or historic milestones. Sometimes, it lies in the quiet defiance of women who refuse to conform.
Think about the mother raising sons who respect women, or the workplace mentor guiding younger colleagues behind the scenes. Consider the woman who stands up against workplace bias at the risk of her own career, or the female entrepreneur who hires other women, providing financial independence in a world that often sidelines them.
These women don’t receive awards, yet they drive change. They may never trend on social media, but they make history in ways that numbers can’t measure.
Redefining Action
We’ve been conditioned to believe that change-makers are CEOs, activists, and politicians. But what about the market woman teaching her daughter financial literacy? The grandmother telling her granddaughter she doesn’t have to endure the same struggles? The young woman confidently embracing her natural hair in a professional setting, subtly redefining beauty standards?
Progress isn’t just about policies—it’s about culture, mindset, and the ripple effect of countless small actions that shift narratives and dismantle barriers.
Taking Action Beyond the Headlines
Real change happens when women support other women—not just with words, but with actions:
– Challenge Harmful Norms – Speak up against sexist remarks, both in public and private spaces. The way we allow women to be spoken about shapes society’s perception of them.
– Support Women-Owned Businesses – Economic empowerment is key. Buy from women, refer them, collaborate with them, and amplify their work.
– Be a Mentor – Every woman with experience must take at least one younger woman under her wing. Guiding another woman through unfamiliar spaces creates generational impact.
– Redefine Household Norms – Teach daughters to aspire beyond societal limitations and raise sons who value and support ambitious women.
– Invest in Yourself – Personal growth fuels collective progress. Read, take courses, and expand your skills. The stronger you become, the more women you uplift.
A Call to Accelerate Change
The speed of progress isn’t just determined by leadership statistics—it’s found in the daily conversations we have, the boundaries we enforce, and the courage we display.
As we reflect on International Women’s Day, let’s recognize not only those in the limelight but also the countless women accelerating action behind the scenes. Their work may not always be celebrated, but it is the foundation upon which lasting change is built.
This article was adapted from BusinessDay’s article by Ejinkeonye-Christian, CEO of Phebeon Consulting and Media Solutions Ltd, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
